With recent fire code restrictions in the West and Southern California, manufacturers of roofing materials have been rushing to market with everything from concrete tile with a "wood look," to composite shingles, to steel and all imitating cedar shakes as much as possible. The reason for this surge into the marketplace is to meet a consumer demand. For the message from the consumer is clear: they prefer the look and texture of wood, whether used on roof or sidewall applications.

The availability of fire-treated cedar shakes and shingles, which was first tested by Underwriters Laboratories "nearly 25 years ago," has continued to open up new design opportunities for architects and builders throughout the United States. This fact is particularly significant in the West, where cedar roofs have long reigned as the outstanding choice for residential and low-rise commercial construction.